Hawks Return Home to Face 76ers as Jalen Johnson’s Historic Run Continues

The Atlanta Hawks will return to the award-winning State Farm Arena on Sunday, December 14, when they host the Philadelphia 76ers in a 6 p.m. tipoff that begins a long-awaited stretch at home.

Atlanta has spent much of the early season on the road, playing just 10 home games so far—tied for the second-fewest in the NBA and the fewest among Eastern Conference teams. That trend is about to shift. Including Sunday’s matchup, the Hawks will play seven of their next nine games inside State Farm Arena, highlighted by a five-game homestand from December 19–27.

As the Hawks return home, there’s optimism surrounding the status of Trae Young. The guard, who sustained a right knee MCL sprain on October 29 in Brooklyn, continues to increase his reconditioning activities and is expected to return to practice next week, a positive sign as Atlanta prepares for a home-heavy stretch.

Sunday marks the second meeting between Atlanta and Philadelphia this season. The first was an instant classic. On November 30 in Philadelphia, the Hawks pulled off a 142–134 double-overtime victory, their first double-OT win since April 1, 2021, at San Antonio. That night belonged to Jalen Johnson, who erupted for 41 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in 45 minutes. The performance placed him in rare company, as he became just the second player in franchise history to record at least 41 points, 14 boards, and seven assists in a game—joining Hall of Famer Bob Pettit.

Johnson enters Sunday playing the best basketball of his career. He’s coming off his third straight triple-double, posting 19 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals on December 12 in Detroit. With that effort, Johnson became the first player in Hawks franchise history to record three consecutive triple-doubles and just the second player in the NBA this season to do so, alongside Nikola Jokic. At 23 years and 359 days, he also became only the seventh player aged 23 or younger in league history to accomplish the feat.

Over his last three games, the 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 23.3 points, 13.7 rebounds, 13.0 assists, and 2.0 steals, continuing a season that has already rewritten the Hawks’ record book. Johnson owns five triple-doubles this season, the most in a single season in franchise history and tied for the second-most in the NBA. With seven career triple-doubles, he is tied with Mookie Blaylock for the most all-time in Atlanta history. He’s also averaging career highs of 23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists, putting him on pace to become the first Hawk ever to average at least 23 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a season—and just the fifth player in NBA history to do so.

Atlanta has also received strong contributions from Dyson Daniels, who finished Friday’s contest with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, marking his first career game with at least 15 points, 10 boards, and five assists. Daniels secured his 13th career double-double, with 12 of those coming since joining the Hawks. His impact on the glass has stood out, as he ranks fifth among all guards in total rebounds this season and second in offensive rebounds, leading all Eastern Conference guards.

Rookie Asa Newell continues to provide a spark off the bench. The former Georgia standout scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting against Detroit and has now reached double figures in three straight games, averaging 10.7 points while shooting an impressive 76.5 percent from the field during that span.

As Atlanta prepares to settle into a more favorable home-heavy schedule, they’ll look to build momentum against a familiar Philadelphia squad—this time in front of the home crowd.

Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.